[h1][color=00aeef]Ernest LaCreux[/color][/h1] [h2]Ernest's Limousine, Eastern Fuyuki[/h2] Ernest considered Chi-You's observations on his tactics. Once again, she was proving herself to be much more considerate and careful in such matters, but that was to be expected. The magus nodded, acknowledging the vague nature of his plan. [color=00aeef]“Of course.”[/color] He pondered for a moment. [color=00aeef]“For a location to stage our assault, we'll need to find some place secluded. Really though, it depends on the route our target takes. I'd prefer not to fight in a residential area if we can help it, but if such a thing proves necessary then perhaps we can commence our attack from an alleyway or a rooftop. If they are not in such an area then we have more options open to us.”[/color] The mention of the forest led the man to grimace. [color=00aeef]“I recommend we avoid the forest however. If we are to encounter the man who killed my previous Servant, he will require our full attention, and though I'm not sure that his base of operations is in that forest, I think we should avoid it until we are fully prepared.”[/color] The magus seemed to puzzle over possibilities for a few moments. [color=00aeef]“As for Ruler, so long as our attack is outside of the Church grounds, I doubt that he will have any complaints.”[/color] Chi-You's mention of her famous countryman brought a slight smirk to the magus' lips. [color=00aeef]“Ah yes. I began reading The Art of War many years ago, a shame I never finished it.”[/color] The tyrant's bravado in response to his question seemed appropriate. Of course she yearned for the battlefield. When she turned the question back on him, however, his expression became grave. She continued on, telling him of her wish. It was reasonable, he supposed. She wanted another chance at life, an opportunity to test her limits to their fullest extent, and to experience everything this strange new world had to offer. For a moment the magus felt uncomfortable under her stare. The direct sincerity and honesty with which she spoke was such a change from the endless scheming and poorly-painted flattery of magi and aristocrats. When she continued on to why she had answered his call, however, Ernest looked up, meeting the tyrant's fiery gaze. He had never really considered his own drive to succeed in such a way. In that moment, though, he realized their motivations were not so different. The aristocrat had been seeking to conquer something as well, to strive all his might to overcome a singular obstacle. All those years experimenting, all those endless failures... They had crushed him again and again, but that frail husk of a person had still continued. Even if his hope was gone, he still pushed onward. His sister had once called it 'insanity', but Chi-You's description of a primal drive seemed more fitting than madness. Ernest nodded at his Servant's sincerity, and for the first time since their meeting a light appeared behind his empty eyes. [color=00aeef]“I believe I'm beginning to understand.”[/color] His voice was not that of a stuffy aristocrat now, no, for the moment all pretenses had ceased. [color=00aeef]“You've told me your desire. It's one I can identify with, if you can believe that.”[/color] He felt a burning in his chest, as if something had awoken from a long sleep. [color=00aeef]“My goal is one of conquest as well, though not quite as material as yours.”[/color] He looked away for a moment. [color=00aeef]“However, I do not fight out of fear of losing something... rather, I am fighting to reclaim something I've already lost.” [/color]He looked back to Chi-You. There was an obvious distress in his expression, a mix of sadness and anger. [color=00aeef]“No, not 'something'... someone. I have no reason to hide my intentions from you. I intend to use to Grail to perform a true resurrection. Not paltry necromancy, all that can create is a husk, at best it can create something vaguely human, but it can never reconstruct a person just as they were.”[/color] His tone was sincere. In any other situation it might have been embarrassing. [color=00aeef]“I will use the Grail to achieve a goal beyond possibility: the conquest of death. I will restore the woman I love to this world in body and soul.”[/color] His expression turned deathly serious. [color=00aeef]“To a great ruler such as yourself, I suppose the restoration of a single life may seem like a trivial matter, but my reasons for such a thing are twofold. Obviously, I love my wife dearly and wish to see her again... but...”[/color] His voice shook for a second. [color=00aeef]“Someone once told me that the only destiny open to me was loss, that I would lose again and again, and that my efforts could never overcome that absolute.”[/color] The creaking voice of that wretched old woman rung in his mind. He shook his head and looked at Chi-You again, speaking with conviction. [color=00aeef]“That is something I cannot accept. If such a thing is an absolute, then it is an absolute I must overturn. It is an impossible enemy that must nonetheless be destroyed.”[/color] The magus took a deep breath. [color=00aeef]“And that is why I have come this far. That is the origin of the desperation you spoke of, and that is why I cannot... will not, be defeated in this War.”[/color] He nodded, adjusting his tie. [color=00aeef]“Together we will achieve our goals. When this is over I will have crushed any obstacles in my way, impossible or no...”[/color] He looked to the tyrant with an expression of solidarity. [color=00aeef]“And I will drink a toast to your accomplishments in this modern world.” [/color] [@Holy Grail] [h1][color=00aeef]Thrall Un[/color][/h1] [h2]The Church[/h2] The Thrall gave an appreciative bow as Ruler answered his questions, still evidently connected to his master in some way or another. [color=00aeef]“Much obliged.”[/color] As the others began speaking up, though, the Thrall backed away toward the entrance of the Church. It seemed one of the other pairs was not content with asking their questions in front of such an obvious informant, thus, having been advised to avoid any and all conflict for the time being, the Thrall retreated to relax any possible hostilities. Still, it picked up the conversation that followed. It would have been difficult not to, considering the mighty voice of the massive Servant. Without any hesitation, the Heroic Spirit had revealed his true name. [i][color=00aeef] Top priority. Take Note. Forward information immediately.[/color][/i] Shortly after, a newcomer entered the Church. The Master seemed to be the same young man the Thrall had noticed on the street earlier. [i][color=00aeef]Take note.[/color][/i] The Thrall remained in the Church, beside the exit, quietly observing the situation. Remaining there after his questions had been answered was an obvious attempt at gathering information, but such was his task. Still, if asked to leave he certainly would, as overstaying his welcome was a troubling possibility. The Thrall's eyes were trained on the newly arrived Master though, with far more focus than those dim, dead eyes were capable of. [@Holy Grail] [@Moonlit Sonata] [@Yukitamas] [@Beloss] [h1][color=00aeef]Ernest LaCreux[/color][/h1] [h2]Ernest's Limousine, Western Fuyuki[/h2] The survey of the city had continued with little success. The search for an enemy base of operations had been mostly fruitless so far, but that was fine. The Thralls had done their work considerably well. The magus smiled slightly at the developments. [color=00aeef]“Well, it seems my Thrall at the Church has uncovered some interesting information. Apparently the Grail only requires that seven Servants fall. I'm not sure how many have been summoned in total, but my earlier conversation with Ruler made it seem like the number would easily pass the standard limit.”[/color] The magus closed his eyes, nodding to himself. [color=00aeef]“Let's see... two pairs were at the Church, one Master and Servant left without me being able to gather much information... but the other.”[/color] Ernest looked surprised. [color=00aeef]“The other Servant revealed his name right there on the spot. Rostam, the great hero of the Middle East.” [/color] Ernest looked toward Chi-You, obviously puzzling over something. [color=00aeef]“Such a Servant would surely be powerful... but that might be a good reason to deal with him now. Besides, if your wish is for a challenge, such a man ought to give you one.”[/color] Ernest shut his eyes again. [color=00aeef]“There's another Master as well. It seems he's lost his Servant, but has no intention of leaving the war. The Thrall is watching him as well. There's a chance he could be useful.”[/color] Finally, Ernest switched his consciousness to the dove. A frown crossed his face. [color=00aeef]“As for the Temple, something is most certainly there. Numerous bounded fields were present, and I felt as though the bird was being watched. As for who or what that something is, I can't be sure, they were wise enough to hide themselves rather thoroughly. As it stands, confronting that Temple directly won't end well.” [/color] He looked out the window, considering their options. [color=00aeef]“I'll send the bird towards the Church as well, so we can find the route Rostam and his Master are taking and set up a position for our ambush. In the meantime, I think we should head in that direction as well. They are still talking with Ruler, but who knows how long that conversation will take.” [/color] [@Holy Grail] [h1][color=00aeef]Dove Thrall[/color][/h1] The dove made one last circle around the Temple before veering off in the direction of the Church. Whatever secrets the Temple held, it would keep them for the time being. [@Moonlit Sonata]